Charles Waller

Biography

Charles Waller’s multimedia compositions are inspired by folk traditions and the antiques he finds both in his travels and around his Hamptons home. The artist spent his childhood in the U.S., Central America, and England before studying illustration at the Royal College of Art in London and RISD. His illustrations have been featured in a variety of leading publications, including the New York Times and Esquire. In his fine art practice Waller begins his work with found objects, which he manipulates using his signature blend of humor, cultural commentary, and whimsy—along with nods to Surrealism and the art of René Magritte—riffing on such themes as tattoos, WWII love letters, and other Americana. “My greatest satisfaction occurs when a watch a collector laugh and get the connection,” says Waller. “Then I’ve succeeded.”